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Birmingham Economy Figures Point to Effects on Local Jobs and Pay
Data on output, growth and earnings show how recent performance shapes employment opportunities and income for residents across the city and Greater Birmingham region.
How we reported this
Greater Birmingham contributed an estimated £66.2bn in Gross Value Added to the UK economy in 2023, with Birmingham city itself recording the strongest regional growth at 2.7% in real terms. Birmingham's economic output stood at £35.4bn in 2022, making it the largest city economy in the UK outside of London.
Why the Figures Matter for Residents Now
These numbers matter because they connect directly to the availability of work and the level of regular pay that households rely on. The service sector accounts for 88% of employment in the area, covering public administration, education, health and financial or business services, while manufacturing and engineering still support more than 100,000 jobs. Shifts in overall output and growth therefore influence the stability of roles in these sectors for people living in the city and surrounding districts.
Employment and Earnings Trends
Average regular earnings in Birmingham rose 4.8% between May and July 2025. Total employment reached 65.9% for people aged 16-64 in late 2023. The unemployment rate for working-aged people in Greater Birmingham stood at 5.7% as of June 2025, while Birmingham's local rate was 7.2% in the year ending December 2023. Downtown Birmingham recorded an overall employment increase of 1.8% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, and office occupancy reached 78% in the third and fourth quarters of 2025.
Context on Output and Income Levels
Birmingham's GDP per head was £30,552, below the national average of £37,076. Real GVA in Greater Birmingham grew 1.4% in 2023, down from 4.0% in 2022. These measures indicate how the scale of activity translates into resources available for local services and household budgets without assuming future changes.
Residents can track updates from official statistical releases and local authority reports to understand any further shifts in employment rates or earnings that may affect daily finances and community services.